Yes, This GCQ Allows Malls, Restaurant Dine-In, Police Say

Going to the mall and dining in restaurants are allowed under GCQ that started Wednesday, as long as health protocols are followed, a police official said. Authorities earlier said this GCQ will be strict to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

This GCQ bars gyms and internet cafes from reopening, effectively overriding earlier regulations that said otherwise. Checkpoints and police patrols will also continue to help barangay officials enforce face mask and face shield-wearing among others.

What about shopping at malls or dining out? "Yes, (those are) allowed, (granted they) follow the strict guidelines issued by the Department of Trade and Industry and local government units," Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac, the spokesman of the Philippine National Police, told reportr.

The GCQ encourages only essential travel: those related to work, medical care and emergencies, market, shopping and groceries, and air travel, he reiterated.

In a separate interview, Banac said the PNP was working in accordance with guidelines of Department of Interior and Local Government and Inter-Agency Task Force.

"We appeal to residents in affected communities to cooperate with local government and law enforcement authorities in enforcing quarantine rules and health protocols to further minimize transmission of the infection."